Mooring BuoyInstallation & Maintenance

Handbook

The Coral Reef Alliance:Coral Parks Program

Education Series

Mooring Buoys

IntroductionOver the past ten or twenty years, the awareness that mooring buoys are necessary to protect coral reefs for both environmental and economic reasons has grown considerably. Both governments and marine tour operations have invested time and money into putting into place permanent moorings to protect their local reefs.

The information contained in this booklet is an attempt to synthesize some of the written material available as well as some of the lessons learned from conservationists in both the public and private sectors. Just as every reef and community have their own particular characteristics, so do mooring installations. We know that there are differing opinions on the subjects contained in this manual. We also realize that there is a good bit of knowledge out in the fi eld and elsewhere that is not contained in here. We encourage you to let us know what we should change and what else we can include, so that future editions of this handbook will be better and so that this practical series of handbooks can serve as a way to collect and disseminate the hard learned lessons by mooring installers in coral reef areas.

Please send your comments, stories and information to:

The Coral Reef Alliance417 Montgomery St. Ste 205San Francisco, CA 94104Tel: 415-834-0900Fax: 415-834-0999Email: info@coral.orgWeb: www.coral.org

AcknowledgementsWe would like to thank those who have directly and indirectly contributed to the production of this publication: Dave Merrill, Suwan Pitaksintorn, Kathleen Auterio, Danita Dulce, Dave Read, Reef Relief, Green Reef, Soufriere Marine Management Area. We would also like to acknowledge the Project AWARE Foundation for previously publishing the Mooring Buoy Planning Guide which was extremely helpful. This is another good resource for mooring installations and can be downloaded from the Project AWARE website.

Mooring Buoys

Table of contentsPart I: Mooring Buoys: A reef-saving alternative to anchoring A reef-saving alternative to anchoring A 3

How anchors damage coral reefs 4

What anchor damage means to coral reef health 5

Can a reef recover from anchor damage? 6

What declining reef health means to local businesses

and communities 7

Benefi ts of moorings 8

Other management options 9

Part II: Planning a successful mooring program 11

Mooring Buoy Planning Guide & Checklist 12

Stakeholder involvement 13

Ways to involve stakeholders 15

Navigating bureaucracy 17

Limiting your liability 18

User and private mooring permits 19

Why have rules? 20

Mooring site selection 22

Mooring buoy parts & options 25

Mooring Anchors: Different types 26

Which anchor to choose? 27

Downline : The connection to the surface 31

Buoys 32

Surface lines 33

Other, cheaper options 34

Maintenance: Taking care of your moorings 35

Funding installation costs 36

Calculating costs 37

Creating a funding plan 38

Keeping costs down 39

Funding sources 40

Mooring Buoys

Table of contents (continued)Table of contents (continued)Part III: Installing moorings 43

General installation tips 44

Installation Overview: Drilled moorings 45

Installation Overview: Manta Ray anchors 47

Installation Overview: Helix anchors 49

Preparing the Tackle: Downlines, surface lines and buoys 51

Part IV: Maintenance 53

Creating a maintenance program 54

Mooring Buoy Disappearance and Theft:

Special strategies 55

Finding funding for maintenance 56

Funding sources for maintenance 58

Part V: Appendix Part V: Appendix Part V: Appendix 60

Mooring resources 60

Glossary 62

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Mooring Buoys

Mooring Buoys:A reef-saving alternative to anchoringA reef-saving alternative to anchoringEvery year, the use of anchors for mooring commercial and recreational boats causes millions of dollars in damage to coral reefs around the world. Mooring buoys are a simple solution that protect coral reefs and the busi- ness es that depend on them. They are an essential part of any coral park management plan.

A mooring buoy is a device that protects coral reefs by allowing boats to easily fi x their position without anchoring. By using buoys, boats can tie to a line that is permanently connected to the sea fl oor. Used by coral parks and tour operators in every region of the world, buoys have been effectively implemented to minimize anchor damage and protect coral reefs. While moor ing buoys may not be suit able for all lo ca tions, they are by far the best means for pre vent ing the damage caused by an chors.

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Mooring Buoys

How anchors damage coral reefsAnchoring on or even near a coral reef can cause immediate, visible damage which impacts the health of the reef and also its appeal to tourists. Anchoring can:

• Destroy corals. Anchors damage coral reefs by crushing and killing the corals on which they fall.

• Prevent new corals from growing. Repeated anchor drops or large anchors will break up the un der ly ing reef (coral substrate) and prevent new corals from de vel op ing.

• Create scarring and make corals vulnerable to disease. Anchor chains can strip the live tissue off of corals, caus ing wide spread scaring, and leav ing the injured corals open to infection.

• Other harmful effects. Anchoring also causes a number of other harm- ful ef fects such as cloud ing the water with disturbed sediment that can choke corals and limit the amount of sunlight that corals’ symbiotic algae require to make food.

Some coral forms are more likely to be broken by anchors than others. Branch ing forms and plate-like corals are among those most likely to be destroyed than massive corals.

Anchors damage reefs by:

• Destroying corals.

• Preventing new coral growth.

• Making them vul ner a ble to dis ease.

• Increasing sed i men ta tion.

Q: Isn’t anchoring in sand good enough?

A: At tempt ing to anchor in sand near a coral reef can lead to ac ci den tal damage, unless you are anchoring in specifi cally designated areas. While the intentions may be good, underlying coral may not be visible from the surface and the boat may shift position before the anchor reaches the sea fl oor, or if the anchor is not entirely secure it could be dragged into a coral reef area. Even if the anchor itself does not damage the coral, the anchor chain could, if it comes into contact with the coral. Anchoring near a reef also can be setting a bad ex am ple, lead ing other boaters to believe that it is okay to anchor in the near vicinity—your anchor may land safely in sand, but their’s could end up on the reef.

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What anchor damage means to coral reef healthSome of the effects of anchoring on and around coral reefs include:

• Fewer living corals. Anchors and anchor chains scar coral reefs as they break and crush coral colonies and other reef animals.

• Fewer fi sh. Degraded coral reef habitat reduces the numbers and variety of fi sh that are a signifi cant attraction for tourists.

• Fewer new corals. When a coral reef is reduced to rubble by ir re spon si ble anchoring, it is impossible for new corals to grow and the reef will further decline. Tourists, especially divers, will not return to reefs that have been severely dam aged.

• More stressed corals. Remaining corals will be stressed and there fore more vulnerable to associated prob lems such as bleaching events and diseases.

• More algae growth. The sediment-fi lled anchor scars are poor en vi ron ments for new coral growth, but good en vi ron ments for fast growing algae, which may take the place of corals.

• Cloudy water. Anchoring can also cause an increase in sand and sed i ment in the water, making once clear water appear cloudy or murky. This prevents corals from getting the sunlight they need to sur vive.

An chors stir up so much sediment that they can re duce visibility in the water from 60 to 1 meter!

Impacts of anchor damage on coral reef include:

• Fewer corals.

• Fewer fi sh.

• Fewer new corals.

• More stress.

• More algae growth.

• Cloudy water (lack of sunlight for corals).

Photo: McManus, John W.Corals are damaged regardless of anchor size.

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Can a reef recover from anchor dam age? While it is possible for coral reefs to recover from anchor damage, this is very slow process that can take many decades. In areas of intense anchor damage, it is unlikely that the reef will ever make a full recovery. In some cases, the reef and the associated life may be lost forever.

Reef recovery means that live coral destroyed by anchoring is replaced by new coral. For new corals to grow, certain conditions need to exist. In addition to the basic environmental requirements for corals to survive (see table below), they need clean, stable substrate. If there is excessive algal growth or sediment in the water, it will be diffi cult for coral larva to fi nd a surface suitable for them to attach and grow.

Even under ideal conditions, extensive anchor damage can change the composition of the reef. Slower grow ing corals, if destroyed, may be replaced by the faster grow ing ones.

Recovering from anchor damage:

• Can take decades.

• Depends on the extent of the damage and other en vi ron men tal factors.

The fastest growing branch ing corals can grow at rates of up to 10cm (4in) in a year, al though some species take years to grow just a few millimeters.

What do corals need to survive?

• Sunlight. Corals need to grow in shallow water where sunlight can reach them. Since corals depend on the zooxanthellae (algae) that grow inside of them and this algae needs sunlight to survive, corals too need sunlight to survive.

• Clear Water. Corals need clear water to survive and don’t thrive well when the water is opaque. Sediment and plankton can cloud the water which decreases the amount of sunlight that reaches the zooxanthellae.

• Temperature. Reef building corals require warm water conditions to survive. Different corals living in different regions can withstand different temperature fl uctuations. However, corals generally live in water temperatures ranging from 20 to 32 degrees Celsius (68 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit).

• Clean Water. Corals are sensitive to pollution and sediments. Sediments can settle on coral, blocking out sunlight and smothering coral polyps. Pollution from sewage and fertilizers increases nutrient levels in the water, harming corals. When there are too many nutrients in the water, the ecological balance of the coral community is altered.

• Saltwater. Corals need saltwater to survive and require a certain balance in the ratio of salt to water. This is why corals don’t live in areas where rivers drain fresh water into the ocean.

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What declining reef health means to local businesses and com mu ni ties

According to the World Tourism Organization, tourism is the fourth largest growing industry in the world, bringing in $462 billion dollars, worldwide. (2001)

When coral reefs are damaged or destroyed the impact on local businesses and the local community can be devastating. If 1,000 dive operators in the Caribbean take two boat trips a day and drop anchor on a coral reef, together they will kill or damage up to 4,000 square meters of coral reef every day! This amounts to a loss of millions of dollars from reduced tourism, damaged fi sheries, and the loss of coastal protection from storms.

Some of the impacts of coral reef damage include:

• Loss of tourism revenue. Revenues from marine tourism will fall in and around coral reef destinations as the colorful corals and diversity of fi sh decline. The most heavily damaged areas may receive no tourists at all.

• Higher unemployment. Fewer tourists can also lead to more un em ploy ment as jobs in hotels, restaurants and shops are lost.

• Lower fi sh catch. Local fi shers are also likely to suffer where there is reef damage that leads to a decline in stocks.

The costs of an chor damage to local communities include:

• Loss of tourism.

• Higher un em ploy ment.

• Lower fi sh catch.

Photo by Burt Jones & Maurine Shimlock

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Mooring Buoys

Benefi ts of mooringsThere are lots of good reasons to install and maintain moorings. Pro tect ing coral reefs from anchor damage is just one.

Mooring Buoys:

• Stop anchor damage. Moorings prevent anchor damage to coral reefs.

• Are easy and practical. After an initial investment, moorings are easy to install and maintain.

• Create visual markers. Moorings are visual markers for divers and boat- ers which make it easier to navigate to popular sites. Moorings can also help boaters access a greater number of sites, by making lesser known locations easier to fi nd.

• Control diver traffi c. By limiting the number of boats that can use a buoy and by encouraging the use of a greater di ver si ty of sites, moorings can also help prevent dive sites from be com ing overcrowded. This not only helps reduce ac ci den tal diver damage, but also makes for a more pleasant experience for dive cus tom ers.

• Enhance Safety. Moorings decrease the risk of accidents with divers due to irresponsible anchor dropping or unpredictable boat traffi c.

• Enhance Convenience. Moorings are easy to use. It’s generally quick er to tie up to a mooring than it is to drop and pull up anchor, particularly if the anchor cannot be dislodged easily.

As divers are becoming more ecologically aware, they are more likely to ask a dive op er a tion if they use mooring buoys. (R.B. Toth Associates survey, 2003)

Mooring buoys benefi t both businesses and the environment.

Mooring buoys:

• Stop anchor damage.

• Are easy and prac ti cal.

• Create visual mark ers.

• Control diver traffi c.

• Enhance safety.

• Enhance con ve nience.

Benefi ts of Moorings

Benefi ts the Reef Benefi ts Dive/Snorkel Business

Stops anchor damage ü ü

Easy and Practical ü

Mark dive sites ü ü

Control diver traffi c ü ü

Enhance safety ü

Enhance convenience ü

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Mooring Buoys

If it is not possible to install moorings, there are other ways to help limit anchor damage:

• Encourage drift diving. Boats should remain under power instead of an chor ing when possible.

• On smaller vessels, divers can hand place and remove anchorsfrom the dive site. This will ensure any dragging is prevented.

• “No anchoring zones” should be designated locally and on navigation “No anchoring zones” should be designated locally and on navigation “No anchoring zones”charts. Rangers can be used to patrol al lo cat ed zones to ensure that anchor damage is being avoided. Fines or pen al ties can be given to anyone found to be damaging the reef with an anchor.

• Boats should only anchor in sand when there is enough space to en sure that chains do not drag on any part of a reef.

Other management options

Anchors that are dropped in sandy areas near reefs can still do damage with their chains or if they become dislodged.

If moorings cannot be installed, consider:

• Remaining under power.

• Doing drift dives.

• Hand placing an chors.

• Designating no anchoring zones.

Photo by Burt Jones & Maurine Shimlock

Part II: Planning a successful mooring program

Introduction

Mooring Buoy Planning Guide & Checklist

Stakeholder involvement

• Ways to involve stakeholders

• Case Study: Installing & maintaining moorings in Jamaica

Navigating bureaucracy

• Limiting your liability

• User and private mooring permits

• Why have rules?

Mooring site selection

Mooring buoy parts & options

• Mooring Anchors: Different types

• Which anchor to choose?

• Downline : The connection to the surface

• Buoys

• Surface lines

• Other, cheaper options

Maintenance: Taking care of your moorings

Funding installation costs

• Calculating costs

• Creating a funding plan

• Keeping costs down

• Funding sources

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Mooring Buoys

Planning a successful mooring programPlanning a successful mooring programThis section will cover a few of things you will need to think about in order to have a successful mooring program. It may be tempting to install moorings as quickly as possible but in the long-run, your investment in time and money will be better served if you take care of a few important details:

• Involving stakeholders. You’ll want to think about who else has an interest in mooring buoys and the areas where you would like to install them. Unless you are working in a privately owned area, by including other people in the planning process, you will be building important relationships that may help prevent problems later.

• Legal issues. Make sure you have the proper permits to protecting your self from being sued.

• Mapping out and designing moorings. Getting moorings in the locations where they are needed and fi guring out what type of moorings you want to use.

• Enforcement & Rules. A few good rules will help prevent con fl icts be tween user groups and will help ensure the moorings are used properly.

• Planning for maintenance. Developing a maintenance plan early in the game will help ensure the long-term success of the program.

• Funding. You’ll need a source of funds to cover installation costs AND funds for maintaining buoys when they need to be re placed.

Photo by Burt Jones & Maurine Shimlock

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Mooring Buoys

Planning Guide & Checklist

1. Involve stakeholders:• Determine interested par ties.• Community relations & input.• Delegate the following steps.

2. Investigate and address legal concerns:• Permits. • Liability.• Enforcement or protected area

legislation.

3. Design the mooring system:• Needs assessment.• Site selection / mapping out your

moorings.

• Determine mooring design:- Anchors (use your best guess).- Downlines.- Buoy.- Surface lines.

4. Plan administration after in stal la tion:

• Rules, proper use & en force ment. • Maintenance (details see Part IV).

5. Develop a funding plan & cal en dar for:

• Installation. • Maintenance.

1. Plan:• Assess need for technical as sis tance &

training. (If using technical assistance, assess remaining steps, and follow ad vice.)

• Mark specifi c buoy sites.• Adjust types of moorings based on

research. • Obtain materials & equipment:

- Develop materials and equipment list.- Find suppliers.- Customs assistance & duty waiv ers.

• Determine logistics for receiving & storing ma te ri als/equipment:

- Recruit volunteers for installation: Diving, boat support, public relations.

• Plan a calendar for installation.

2. Install:• Do as much as possible in advance.

(Take measurements and pre-splice rope.)

• Ensure safety.• Keep good records (Depths, GPS &

reference sites).• Take photographs.• Send press release.• Celebrate!

1. Implement the regular main te nance & monitoring.

2. Implement ongoing education pro gram.

3. Implement ongoing fi nancial support system.

Step II: Installation

Step I: Planning

Step III: Implement Maintenance & Education

Adapted from the Project AWARE Mooring Buoy Planning Guide. Http://www.projectaware.org

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Mooring Buoys

Stakeholder involvementYou will want to identify your stakeholders early in the planning phase of your mooring program. Stakeholders might include: lo cal community, fi sh er men, dive op er a tors, watersport operators , water taxis, government and gov ern ment departments (such as Harbor Of fi ce, Fisheries Dept. etc.), local NGOs, local dive groups, uni ver si ties and others. Each stake hold er group will have invaluable in for ma tion and help to offer. Stakeholders who see themselves as part of the mooring planning process may be more willing to use the moorings properly.

Dive Operators and other marine tour businesses. Dive operators have a lot of knowledge and resources to offer a mooring program. They will have an interest in protecting the reef resources their business depends upon, where the buoys are located and how this may impact their business. They may be able to offer help with:

• Providing experienced divers to help with installation.• Determining where buoys are needed and specifi c locations where they can

be installed.• Building community support by talking to other dive operators, media,

government offi cials.• Providing underwater photography of anchor damage (to show the need

for buoys) and of installation.• Donating boats & boat support.• Donating and raising funds.• Helping monitor and maintain buoys once they are installed.• Ensuring that their staff use the moorings properly.

Fishers. Fishers will also have a strong interest in where buoys go and how that will effect their ability to anchor in certain areas. If the installation of buoys is interpreted as a move towards restricting access, there may resistance to the program. It is therefore particularly important to involve them in planning. They may be able to help with:

• Donating and raise funds.• Helping determine where buoys are needed.• Building community support through talking to other fi shers, media, and

government offi cials.• Donating boats & boat support, including splicing rope.• Educating other fi shers about the proper use of buoys.

Involving stake hold ers is critical to the suc cess of a moor ing pro gram.

Some of the key stakeholders in clude:

• Dive operators and marine tour busi ness es.

• Fishers.

• Universities and scientists.

• Government departments.

• NGOs.

• Other tourist businesses.

Stakeholder’s can be in volved at any stage of developing a mooring program, including plan ning, fundraising, in stal la tion, and maintenance.

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Universities. Environmental and resource programs may have:

• Existing studies on the health of the reef that can help build a case for the need for moorings.

• Interest in doing new research.• Knowledgeable divers and/or underwater photographers.• Boat access.• Contacts with government agencies.• Credible spokespeople who can speak to the press or government.

Government Departments. There are a number of departments that may have an interest in the program, including the Fisheries, Environment, Harbor, Hydrographic, and Parks Departments and even the Navy. These departments can help with:

• Permits for installation.• Enforcement of rules and patrolling. • Making changes on offi cial navigation charts.• Funding.• Publicity.• Maps, research and other information.• Publication of educational materials.• Maintenance.• Waivers of customs fees on imported equipment and materials.

Government. Elected offi cials may be able to help with:

• Legislative changes for enforcement.• Funding.

NGOs. Conservation organizations may be able to help with:

• Technical expertise.• Funding.• Equipment.• Providing a method for receiving tax-deductible donations as a fi scal spon-

sor if you are not a U.S.-based non-profi t.

Hydrographic De part ments will want to know if any changes are made re gard ing rules of an chor ing.

Stakeholder involvement (continued)Stakeholder involvement (continued)

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When building coalitions and partnerships look for an approach that in te grates the interests of all parties involved. In other words, make the effort to communicate with all potential players and provide a method of in volve ment which makes each group feel they are active participants.

With in ter est ed parties in so many different sectors, you will want to create a bridge between government, industry and conservation organizations. The co op er a tion that is developed through your mooring project can be come a foun da tion for working together on other conservation projects.

Some ways to reach out and involve stakeholders:

• Collect information - distribute needs surveys, or ask for advice and opinions.

• Recruit leadership - fi nd leaders among different stakeholders who are willing to reach out to their peers and to take up responsibility for portions of the project.

• Get media attention (sending out press releases, talk to your local media).

• Educate public offi cials. Involve others in contacting decision makers and letting them know about the importance of the project.

• Create information packets or posters. Deliver them directly to stakeholders or displayed in a public location.

• Hold and attend public meetings

and workshops, organized by you and other groups.

Ways to involve stakeholdersInvolving stake hold ers will invest the various sec tors in the com mu ni ty in the success of the program.

Ways to reach out and involve stakeholders:

• Collect in for ma tion.

• Recruit lead er ship.

• Reach out to the media.

• Educate public offi cials.

• Create in for ma tion packets or posters.

• Hold or attend community meetings.

Keep the funding and decision-making process trans par ent. Be as open as possible about how funds are spent. If there is likely to be distrust in the com mu ni ty, be pro-active about getting this in for ma tion to community leaders.

Mooring installations can be used to educate the general community about reef conservation. Here, an offi cial from the Thai Royal Forestry De part ment takes time out from a mooring installation to talk to a group

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Case Study: Building Community Support for the Installation and Maintenance of Reef Mooring Buoys in Jamaica

In 1991, the Negril Coral Reef Preservation Society began working with Reef Relief, a U.S.- based NGO, to bring together the local community to support the installation of 40 mooring buoys. Not only was the project successful at installing moorings, but it was also an opportunity to educated and involve the community in the larger issues of coral reef conservation.

A community workshop, entitled "Protecting Jamaica's Coral Reefs: Reef Mooring Buoy Workshop," was planned to coincide with the installation. Workshop participants experienced the actual installation process (visible through a glass bottom boat) as well as sessions by scientists and govern-ment offi cials on the importance of coral reefs to Jamaica, the current status the con nec tion between healthy tourism and a healthy environment, and other ac tiv i ties working to save coral reefs.

A splicing party on the beach at Negril provided lessons on how the buoy lines are spliced and prepared prior to hooking them up at the reef. The workshop ended with a celebration as the fi rst reef mooring buoys were hooked up at Negril's coral reef.

The workshop also provided an opportunity to publicly thank the many con-tributors to the project: members of government departments who helped getting duty waivers and installation permits, local businesses who donated funds, accommodation for the Reef Relief team, boats and vol un teers; and Reef Relief for loaning equipment, installing buoys and holding a fundraising concert.

The mooring program has been a springboard for other conservation ef-forts. Additional projects have included the installation of a mooring buoy system for swim lanes on public beaches, reef moorings (estimated to have prevented over 50,000 anchors dropping on coral reefs) and most recently the installation of buoys to mark fi sh sanctuaries. The project in Negril, Jamaica is a clear example of how moor ing buoys can bring diverse interests in a local community together with the primary goal of protecting coral reef ecosystems.

Source: Final Report Of The Negril Reef Mooring Buoy Workshop & Installation Project

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Before you install moorings you will want to consider some of the offi cial, legal aspects of your project. The steps you need to take will vary de pend ing on local laws and customs and whether you are installing public or private moorings. This may seem overwhelming at fi rst, but with the assistance of a pro bono attorney or an ally in a government offi ce, navigating the bureaucracy can be done!

Some of the questions you will want to consider:

• Installation Permits & Government Notifi cation: -Who has authority over the seabed/water where the moor ings will be placed

(e.g. Gov ern ment, MPA, villagers)? What permits will be needed to place moorings and run them? - What other departments would need notifi cation (e.g. the Hy dro graph ic

department responsible for creating nautical charts)?

• Liability - Who will be legally responsible for the moorings?

• Management & Enforcement Authority - Who will manage the moorings? - Will you be able to charge for use of the moorings? - Will you be able to set rules and regulations for the use of the moor ings

(e.g. de ter mine who can use the moorings and how)? - Who will have law enforcement authority over the moorings and how this

will happen (is this the same as above)?

• Legal costs - What legal costs will be involved?

With this information, you can determine what offi cial steps need to be taken to change existing leg is la tion and how long these are likely to take. If this is necessary, support from the other stakeholders can be important in expediting this process.

If you change where it is legal to anchor, you will need to notify the agency re spon si ble for pro duc ing the nau ti cal charts for your area, usu al ly the Hy dro graph ic De part ment.

Legal issues vary from location to location, but you’ll want to look into:

• Installation permits.

• Notifying ap pro pri ate government agencies.

• Liability.

• Management & enforcement au thor i ty.

• Legal costs.

Navigating bureaucracy

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Limiting your liability

Mooring sites in areas where currents are strong and/or the moorings are close to shore, may be at a higher risk for causing boat groundings. Some moor ing managers have in stalled re dun dant lines to prevent ac ci dents in case one line breaks.

There are a num ber of ways you can limit your legal liability:

• Evaluate wheth er to have moorings be required.

• Take steps to prevent accidents.

• Issue rules that enhance safety.

• Provide ap pro pri ate warnings.

• Publish a disclaimer.

If you are the management body and le gal ly re spon si ble for the moorings, there are many ways you can limit your liability should there be an accident.

• Obligatory moorings. Be aware, if you make it compulsory for peo ple to use your moor ings, your legal liability may increase considerably.

• Accident prevention. Safety fi rst! The best way to limit liability is to make the moor ings are as safe as you can:

- Establish & use a schedule for mooring main te nance. - Keep a written log of all mooring maintenance and when it is per formed.

Generally speaking if you always keep a log this becomes a legal doc u ment which can be used in court. You should also be able to show that you have an excellent track record of performing moor ing main te nance as soon as problems are reported.

- Consider taking special care at “high risk” sites (i.e. sites where boats might run aground) such as put ting out re dun dant lines.

• Rules & Warnings. It is very important to make sure that everyone using the moor ings knows that they are obliged to follow the safety rules (See "Why have rules?"). Boaters should be sure to:

- Tie their boat on safely. - Leave someone on board at all times. - Check all mooring lines before leaving the boat.

• Disclaimer. It is also a good idea to have a printed disclaimer which appears in any in for ma tion (leafl ets, brochures, etc.) about the moor ings. It can be very simple such as:

“Be advised that ……… cannot accept liability for any loss or damage in curred while using moorings. Use the moorings entirely at your own risk."

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User and private mooring permitsUser and private mooring permitsThere may be instances when you may chose to issue permits, either for the use of public moorings or for a mooring for the exclusive use of a private owner. If you do need to issue permits, you will need legal advice about:

• The process you will need to follow.• The costs involved.• How long it will take to issue each permit.• How you should set up the permit.

There may well be templates you can copy. Generally speak ing you will need to be very clear about who the permit is issued to, what costs are involved and when they need to be paid and it how long the permit is valid for.

Issuing Permits:In order to issue permits for moor ings you will need to establish a process for doing so.

Permit fees for using moorings can help fi nance a local marine park or mooring program.

Photo by Burt Jones & Maurine Shimlock

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Mooring Buoys

Why have rules?Rules will help limit your liability, and they will also make other aspects of a mooring program easier. You will prob a bly want to have some rules about who uses moor ings and how they are used in order to:

• Ensure that boats and passengers are safe.• Protect the moorings and the reefs.• Avoid confl icts over mooring use.

Safety First!Legally, it is important to cover your liability in case of an accident.Mooring users need to know that they must:• Tie their boat off securely. • Check all the mooring lines at the start of the dive.• Have someone on the boat at all times.• Know when it is unsafe to use moorings, such as dur ing particular weather

con di tions.

Protecting the Moorings and the ReefYou will want to make sure mooring users:• Put out their own line (known as a scope line) which is at least as long as

their boat to make sure moor ings are not dragged or over stressed.• Do not overload the mooring buoy, especially in rough weath er.• Tie on by the bow to reduce drag on moorings.

Sharing Moorings Among Different UsersIf you have different groups using the moorings (such as fi sh er men, dive op er a tors, water taxis, and snor kel tour op er a tors) you will want to listen to the users to avoid over crowding and over use of moorings and to minimize con fl icts over use (especially with fi shermen). You may want to think about:

• Sharing space (get different users to use different moorings).• Sharing time (get different users to use moorings at different times of the

day).• Sharing access (put limits on the amount of time users can stay on a moor-

ing).

Rules for mooring buoys will help:

• Limit liability.

• Protect moorings and cut down on main te nance.

• Avoid confl icts be tween users.

Having rules that are well-publicized can signifi cantly cut down on the need to replace buoys broken from misuse.

21

Mooring Buoys

Sharing Moorings Among Dive OperatorsDive operators are likely to want access to the same moorings at the same time of the day. Here, you may want to consider:

• Having an informal or formal booking system for moorings.• Allocating the most popular moorings to dive operators on a rotating basis.• Adopting a “fi rst come fi rst served” rule.• Limiting the amount of time users can stay on a mooring (for example: 2

hours).• Staggering the times that individual dive operators use the same moor ings.• Avoiding the creation of a “hit list” which can create too much demand on

a very few moorings.

How to Enforce RulesWhen things do go wrong you will need to know who has law en force ment authority and how the system works.

• Write up and issue a prosecution.• Charge fi nes.• You will also need to be able to value your reefs, so that you can make

claims for any damages.

Ways to enforce mooring use and rules include:

• Patrol boats.• Fines.• Volunteer reporting.

Rules that help avoid confl icts among users can also help to reduce the amount of diver traffi c, which benefi ts both reefs and divers.

Why have rules? (continued)

22

Mooring Buoys

If mooring buoys are used correctly and well main tained you can expect them to last for a long, long time, so it is worth spend ing a little time se lect ing the right sites before you begin. Sometimes the locations for your new moorings will identify themselves … but not always.

Where should they go?The idea of installing moorings is to protect your reefs from anchor damage, so you won’t want to place them in areas where no-one will use them. Installing your moorings in the mid dle of your most attractive reefs is also not a great idea because you can expect to see some loss of coral close to the mooring even if your divers are well ed u cat ed and dive care ful ly.

Planning ConsiderationsWhere you choose not to place moorings can be an important decision too. Moorings can be used to protect sensitive areas and create closed ar eas, to control access and to reduce user con fl icts. While you are creating your ideal mooring system there are some plan ning and pol i cy con sid er ations to take into account. You should think about whether:

• You want to concentrate moorings in one area (creating a honey pot effect) or spread them out as much as pos si ble.

• You want to have closed areas (to protect crit i cal habitats or to create control areas) with “buffer zones” around them.

• There is any existing or planned zoning you need to take into account.

Also ...• Think about tomorrow. Dive boats tend to get larger over time as

the local dive industry establishes itself. You will want to try to be able to accommodate growth.

• Avoid placing moorings in shipping lanes or anywhere they might con sti tute a “hazard to navigation” such as near the entrance to a harbour or marina.

Mooring site selection

Photo by: Dave Read www.daveread.comMoorings will concentrate diver use in one particular area, so keep in mind that there may be more diver damage in the immediate area around the buoy.

23

Mooring Buoys

• If you are aiming to create a system of public moorings avoid siting moorings so that it looks like you are creating “personal” moorings for individuals or businesses.

• If in doubt choose the selection criteria you believe are the most im por tant and develop a matrix to com pare the different possible sites for moor ings.

You will also want to think about the specifi cs of each site:

• Where exactly you place your moor ings may depend on the sub strate (sand, rubble, bedrock). If you are planning to put in drilled pin (Halas) moorings you will have to place them where you can fi nd fi rm bedrock.

• Ideally you will want to place moor ings on bare bedrock (pave ment), in sand or on coral rubble near but not on the reef to minimize damage to the reef through installation and use.

Safety FirstMake sure moorings are:

• Far enough from land and the reef so that boats cannot run aground.

• Safe for boats to use under most weath er conditions and sea states, remembering there should be some one on the boat at all times.

• Deep enough at all states of the tide.

• Shallow enough for installation to be done safely. Placing drilled moor ings in deep water can be costly and dan ger ous. An ideal depth is some where between 20-40 feet.

Mooring site selection (continued)

Case Study: Selecting Sites for Moorings“In September 1991, divers from the Negril Coral Reef Preservation So ci ety and Reef Relief spent fi ve days logging fi fteen dives inspecting bottom con di tions and depths to select mooring buoy sites for the reefs of Negril, Jamaica. All of the sites are used on a daily basis by the commercial dive/snorkel industry as well as by fi shermen and were sub ject ed to daily anchor damage. The results of the inspection dive gave us the nec es sary information to draw up a list of components required for the installation process. We made a de ter mi na tion of what type of anchor system to use at each lo ca tion, ordered the com po nents, and developed a chart of the potential installation sites which expedited the permitting process. The Negril Coral Reef Preservation Society then re ceived permits to install forty reef mooring buoys.”

From: Final Report Of The Negril Reef Mooring Buoy Workshop & Installation Project

24

Mooring Buoys

Spacing Between Moorings• To create a “buffer zone” between moorings then you will need a min i mum

spacing of 400–600 feet (120-200m) - so that most divers cannot swim to an adjacent site and back again in one dive.

• To crowd as many moorings at a site as possible—depending on boat length, sea state etc.— you will probably need at least 150—200 feet (45-60m) between moorings.

Protecting the Reef• You can expect to see signifi cant changes to the reef, mainly the loss of

coral—within 50-100 feet (15-30m) of the mooring at most reef sites where a mooring is set up.

• Beyond 200 feet (60m) you should not be able to detect any changes to the reef IF your divers are well educated and dive carefully.

Scouting & Relocating the Mooring Position• Once you have decided exactly where you want your mooring to go it’s a

good idea to buoy it just before you plan to do your mooring installation.• If you can take a GPS fi x, fi nd two or more suitable transect lines (fi xed

objects such as trees and buildings which are in line) or take compass fi xes.

Mooring site selection (continued) Mooring site selection (continued)

25

Mooring Buoys

Mooring buoy parts & optionsMooring buoys are made up of:

• Mooring anchor.

• Downline.

• Surface buoy.

• Pick up line or surface line.

Mooring buoys are made up of four basic parts:

• Mooring anchor. An object that is permanently attached to the sea fl oor – it could be a heavy weight or a device that is embedded in the sea fl oor.

• Downline. A line that leads down from the surface and connects the anchor to the buoy. This can be made of rope or chain (also known as a rode).

• Surface marker buoy. A fl oat that rests at the surface, and holds the weight of the downline and is easily visible to boats.

• Pick-up line or surface line. The line that connects the boat to the buoy. Boats “pick up” this line out of the water to tie up to the buoy.

There are a number of different options for each of the four different parts of a mooring buoy. Not all types of moor ing buoys are suitable for coral reef areas. Look at the specifi c conditions of your area and determine which sys tems will work best. Then look at the practical side: ease of installation, cost, du ra bil i ty and availability of replacement parts.

Mooring Anchor

Pick-up line

Surface Marker Buoy

Downline

26

Mooring Buoys

Mooring Anchors: Different typesMooring Anchors: Different types

Not all mooring buoys are appropriate for coral reefs. Choose your mooring system carefully.

There are two basic types of mooring anchors:

Embedment anchors: Embedment anchors are embedded in the sea fl oor. Embedment anchors require special equipment to install but with a little training, an experienced diver can learn to how to put these in.

Embedment anchors can be either:

• Drilled moorings, where a hole is drilled into hard bedrock and a pin is cemented into place. The strength of the anchor largely depends on the strength of the substrate (i.e. an anchor in coral will not be as strong as volcanic rock).

• Metal embedment anchors are specially designed to be embedded in soft substrates and held in place by the weight of the sand or rubble. Manta Ray anchors and Helix anchors are the most commonly used types. The strength of these anchors depends on their size and how deeply they are installed.

Weighted anchors: Weighted anchors are also known as tra di tion al or con ven tion al or concrete moorings. The anchor is a heavy object that rests on the sea fl oor. This could be a cement block or a heavy piece of scrap metal. Its strength de pends on its weight underwater and may not be suitable for coral reef areas because weight ed anchors can drag and damage large areas of coral.

The three basic types of moorings are:

• Drilled moorings.

• Embedment an chors.

• Weighted anchors.

Photo: © Green Reef in Belize.

Weighted anchor system.

27

Mooring Buoys

Choosing the right anchor is the most important part of your moor ing buoy design. You will need to con sid er what types of anchors are suitable for your mooring sites, how much holding capacity you will need and prac ti cal mat ters such as cost and availability of equipment and replacement parts.

1. Consider your substrate type and depth. An expert can quickly help you determine the type of sub strate you have. Sand or rubble may be hiding a layer of bedrock which would make the installation of helix or manta ray’s diffi cult (or impossible). It can be tricky to de ter mine how strong the substrate is or how deep you will be able to embed an anchor. You can save a lot of time and money by working with someone who has experience installing mooring anchors, such as another marine park, NGO, or the company selling the mooring equipment.

Substrate Mooring Type

Sand and/or Rubble Manta Ray, HelixHard Substrate (solid bedrock,

hard limestone or lava)Drilled moor ings

Semi-hard substrate (softer fossil-ized coral).

Helix or drilled moor ing.

If the mooring location is not close to a sensitive habitat, like a coral reef or seagrass bed, you can also consider weighted anchors for all substrates.

Which anchor to choose?

In deciding which anchors will work best, you will need to consider:

• Substrate.

• Holding ca pac i ty needs.

• Cost of main te nance.

© Wolcott Henry 2001

Helix Manta Ray Drilled Weighted Anchor

28

Mooring Buoys

Which anchor to choose? (continued)2. Consider holding capacity,There is no precise way to determine how much a mooring anchor will be able to hold. The strength of the anchor will depend on the installation, the substrate and the size of the anchor, as well as environmental conditions such as weather and cur rents.

By considering the size of the boats that will be using the moorings (keeping in mind that boats will likely get larger over time), it will be easier to guess which anchors will hold.

• To calculate holding capacity, use an estimate of 65ft sailboat = 30,000 lbs. • Consider that areas which are frequently used or are frequently exposed to

rough weather will benefi t from stronger anchors.• To increase holding capacity of an anchor you can use a larger anchor or

use multiple anchors chained together. These also help to act as a back up system in the event that one anchor fails.

3. Consider the costs and ease of maintenance.You’ll want to look at the entire cost of the anchor including replacement costs. Using parts that are available locally is highly desirable. See the fundraising sec tion for a list of dif fer ent parts to con sid er.

To install embedment anchors you will be using specialized equipment. If you are able to raise money to purchase this equipment and to train staff, you will be able to maintain the moorings more easily.

Photo byL Dee Scarr

29

Mooring Buoys

THIS INFORMATION IS FOR GUIDANCE ONLY. PLEASE BE SURE TO CONSULT SOMEONE WITH EXPERIENCE INSTALLING EMBEDMENT ANCHORS TO DETERMINE THE CORRECT MOORINGS FOR YOUR AREA.

Mooring Anchor Selection Chart

Substrate Low Holding Capacity

Average Loads Extra Heavy Loads

Soft Substrate

• Sand• Clay• Mud

• Weighted (Block Mooring)*

• Manta Ray

• Helix

• Multiple Mantas

• Multiple Helixes

Semi-hard

Substrate

• Softer coral• Hard pan

• Weighted (Block Mooring)*

• Manta Ray

• Helix

• Drilled

• Multiple Mantas

• Multiple Helixes

• Multiple Drilled

Hard Substrate

* Bedrock• Older fossilized

coral

• Weighted (Block Mooring)*

• Drilled • Multiple Drilled

*Not recommended for near reef or seagrass environments.

Helix Manta Ray Drilled Weighted Anchor

© Wolcott Henry 2001

31

Mooring Buoys

Downlines: The connection to the surfaceTwo of the most important qualities of a good downline are the right length and the right material. In picking your downline, you will want to look for a combination of strength, fl exibility and ease of maintenance.

Some of the more common types of downlines are:

Rope. Rope is usually the preferred material of a downline. Its natural fl exibility makes it quite strong. It is readily available, lightweight and easy to work with. Three pieces of rope with loops spliced on both ends can be interlocked to create a buoy tackle that is easily assembled and disassembled. Sometimes a small weight will be used on the downline to keep excess rope from fl oating on the surface and catching on boat propellers. The rope thickness will depend on the holding capacity needed. A plastic chafi ng hose may also be used at the connecting points to protect the rope from wear.

Chain. Chain can do signifi cant damage to reef areas, similar to anchor chains. Although metal may seem to be stronger than rope, it is not as elastic, and therefore must be quite substantial to withstand the pull of boats in rough weather. Also, due to its weight chain is harder to install and repair and requires a larger buoy to hold it up. Chain may be used in situations where a buoy is frequently cut.

Special materials. If your budget allows and buoy theft is not a concern, you should consider these materials:• Hazelett rode; An elastic material specifi cally designed for moorings. (Costs

approximately $500 a piece)• U/V Treated rope: This rope is specially treated to protect it from sun

damage and may last longer than conventional rope.• Hawser wire: Wire rope usually made out of galvanized steel.

Length. The length of the downline is a matter of preference. Downlines should be long enough so that in bad weather or when a current is running your surface mooring buoy is not dragged underwater. The line should not be so long that it could wrap around or get snagged on the bottom of the reef. It also may be desirable to keep the line short so the buoy does not get pulled above the surface of the water easily. The are formulas you can use to calculate the ideal length of your lines. But remember, every situation is different and you will soon fi nd the ideal length for each mooring.

Some mooring systems add a lead weight to the downline to keep excess rope from fl oating to the surface.

Downlines need to be:

• Strong.

• Flexible.

• Easy to maintain.

• Proper length.

32

Mooring Buoys

BuoysBuoysThe surface buoy has several different purposes and your buoy selection will depend somewhat on the other buoy parts you are using and how you want to use the buoy as a marker. The ideal mooring buoy is:

• Visible. A buoy should be easy to spot, clearly marking the mooring for boaters. Bright colors such as orange or white are often used, and refl ective tape can be used around the center to make the buoy more visible at night.

• Buoyant. While this should be obvious, keep in mind that smaller buoys will be less buoyant. If your downline is entirely or partly chain, a smaller buoy will not be able to support its weight. Also, greater buoyancy means that it will be harder for a rocking boat to submerge the buoy and pull directly on the buoy anchor.

• Affordable. If moorings are likely to be stolen or broken, inexpensive and less desirable options are preferable.

• Durable. Ideally, your buoy should last a long time.

• Identifi able. The buoy can also be used to identify the location with a name and/or number. Different shapes and colors can be used to indicate that the mooring is to be used by water taxis and another for dive boats.

• Attractive. This may or may not be important. Some owners of beach property may be concerned about the moorings look on the horizon.

Mooring buoy options include:

• Manufactured buoys. There is a wide selection of buoys that can be purchased made of foam or plastic or a combination.

• PVC Pipe. An inexpensive buoy can be made from PVC pipe closed on both ends and fi lled partially with sand. These buoys are a good balance between aesthetic and practical issues. Their relatively small size does mean that they provide less “spring action.” (See Appendix)

• Plastic containers. Heavy duty plastic containers, often used for gasoline or freon, often have built-in handles and can be used as make shift moorings. These are less attractive than the other moorings, but may be less likely to be stolen. If they get a whole in them they will sink, unless fi lled with foam.

Buoys should be:

• Visible.

• Suffi ciently buoyant.

• Durable.

Buoy options include:

• Manufactured buoys.

• PVC pipe buoy.

• Plastic containers.

Buoys are not just surface markers. Their buoyancy helps relieve pressure on the mooring anchor.

33

Mooring Buoys

Surface linesSurface lines allow the boaters to moor up to the buoy. In some cases they may simply be the part of the downline that extends beyond the buoy. The pick up line is often a thinner rope than the downline and may be a good candidate for U/V treated rope because it will fl oat on the surface where it will be more susceptible to sun damage.

Generally, the part of your mooring system which requires the most maintenance are your surface lines. You can prolong the life of surface lines and encourage good mooring use by:

• Keeping pickup lines short so boaters are forced to put their own line out (scope line) out when tying up.

• Put a length of plastic hose around the pickup line eye slice to cut down on chafi ng.

Surface lines:

• Require more maintenance than other parts of the buoy.

• Are more susceptible to sun damage.

• Will last longer if they are used with a scope line.

Using a scope line from the boat to attach to the pick up line helps protect the mooring buoy from unnecessary pull.

Photo by: Mary Lou Frost

34

Mooring Buoys

Other, cheaper options Other, cheaper options If your budget is limited, there are other mooring options, although they may not be suit able for a coral reef environment and the risks should be con sid ered carefully.

Natural anchors or “chokers.” Chokers use natural formations, such as rocks or coral heads as a mooring anchor. The downline is looped around and “chokes” the coral. This is an inexpensive option, but there are a number of disadvantages that need to be considered.

Disadvantages:

• It can be diffi cult to fi nd natural for ma tions in the right locations.

• Chokers can also destroy the coral head or en crust ing ma rine life it is at tached to. Some coral heads may adapt to the choker, but others may be stressed, bleach or become vul ner a ble to disease.

• The moor ing is also only as strong as its base and pre dict ing the hold ing ca pac i ty of corals is be dif fi cult. Sometimes even large massive corals have developed on a small rock that is not actually connected to the sea bottom. Dead coral formations are sub ject to boring animals such as clams and worms, and may erode over time. Other coral heads which appear to be solid live coral may in fact be older, dead coral heads that have been covered by encrusting corals. Although the surface is alive and intact, the inner structure could have already been eroded by boring animals. If the wrong coral head is chosen, not only will the mooring be lost, but the entire coral colony could be destroyed.

Engine blocks. Although engine blocks are sometimes used to secure a moor ing, they are not suitable for reef moorings.

There are other, cheaper options but they may not be suitable for coral reef environments. They include:

• Natural formation anchors.

• Engine blocks.

Using a coral head as a mooring anchor may send mixed signals to divers, who, after seeing a rope or chain wrapped around a coral "bombie" may then as sume that its okay to touch the coral. Similarly, dropping an engine block may make it okay to dump other refuse.

35

Mooring Buoys

Maintenance: Taking care of your mooringsMaintenance: Taking care of your mooringsIts im por tant to plan for re plac ing broken moor ings and doing some pre ven tive maintenance. It can be tempting to rush into installing moorings without making an advance plan for main te nance, although there several good reasons why it is advisable to do so.

• Safety. Safety, both for your users and their boats and for the coral reefs they protect, should be your pri ma ry con sid er ation when running a sys tem of moorings. No one will use moor ings they consider to be unsafe and you must keep your moor ings well maintained if you want to limit your legal li a bil i ty.

• Moorings are your “calling card.” If you are running a Marine Park, Moorings are your “calling card.” If you are running a Marine Park, Moorings are your “calling card.”moor ings are prob a bly the most visible part of your Park. In a sense, they are the Park’s calling card. A well man aged and well main tained system of moor ings inspires con fi dence and ev ery one can see the Marine Park is doing real con ser va tion work.

• Nothing is permanent. Although these are “permanent” moorings, they can break. A few rules and a user education program will help, but will not eliminate the need to replace moorings. Some of the caus es of mooring breakage include:

• Overloading beyond the holding capacity.• Improper use—using too little scope line, particularly during rough

weather.• Accidents—boats running over moorings can puncture the buoy or

chop up the pick-up line.• Theft and vandalism—moorings may be cut and stolen.• Aging—at some point, materials need to be replaced.

• Don’t be discouraged by broken moorings. Just be prepared to replace them quickly and learn from what went wrong. Having a prac ti cal, funded main te nance program in mind before installing your moorings will help ensure the long-term success of the program. For more details, see the Maintenance section.

In the Florida Keys an average of 6 to 15% of all mooring loss is due to boats running over buoys.

Maintenance:

• Promotes safety.

• Helps limit liability.

• Improves image of park management.

• Keeps moorings func tion al.

36

Mooring Buoys

Once you have decided which kind of mooring system you want to install and how many moorings you want to place, you will need to think about how you are going to pay for your mooring installation. (Keep in mind that there are two types of funding you will need to think about: installation AND maintenance costs. Maintenance costs and funding are discussed in a later section).

Mooring installation costs are likely to be high and you can expect placing a set of a round 20 drilled moorings to cost anywhere from around $400.00 per mooring to $ 1,000.00 per mooring depending on if you have to buy the installation equipment, how remote your site(s) are, how long it will take to install the moorings etc. Installing dif fer ent kinds of drilled moorings such as pins and helixes requires dif fer ent kinds of drive head, so if you have to mix moorings expect your costs to go up. Making concrete mooring blocks can be con sid er ably cheaper but concrete blocks, especially very large ones, can be diffi cult and costly to place on site.

Even if your costs are high for installation, with creativity and per sis tence it is possible to fi nd donors who are willing to invest in the protection they provide reefs.

To fund your project you will need to:

• Calculate your costs.• Write a project plan.• Identify potential funders.

Funding installation costsFunding installation costs

Photo by: © Michael Cowman

Funding your project involves raising money for both installation andmaintenance.

Costs will vary de pend ing on your local area and the types of moor ings you use. To raise the funds you will need to:

• Calculate costs.

• Write a project plan.

• Identify and ap proach potential funders.

37

Mooring Buoys

Calculating costsCalculating costsThe fi rst step is to work out what the likely costs will be. Remember to include all of the following:

Drilled, helix or manta moorings:• U-pin triad or similar (for drilled moorings), manta moorings or helix

moorings.• Extension rods for helixes (if necessary).• Shackles.• Two component epoxy (Drilled only).• Epoxy injection gun (Drilled only).• Hydraulic power pack (such as 8 gallon/minute, 2000 psi).• Appropriate drive head (torque, rotary or core).• Hydraulic drill and drill bits.• Hoses (quick disconnect are best).

Concrete moorings:• Concrete.• Re-bar (for anchoring points).• 4” PVC Pipe.

Installation assistance:• Flight.• Accommodation.• Salary or per diem (to cover food and drink).• Transportation at site.

Tackle:• Rope (such as U/V treated polypropylene line).• Shackles.• Buoys.• Chafi ng hose.

Transportation:• Shipping.• Handling.• Duty (for imports).

Placement:• Boat rental (including boat captain).• Staff.

To calculate the costs of installation you will want to include:

• Materials.

• Equipment.

• Technical as sis tance.

• Transportation.

• Contingency.

You will probably want to add a “contingency” to your fi nal fi gure of be tween 5-15% to cover unforeseen expenses.

You may also want to include some main te nance parts in your initial budget.

38

Mooring Buoys

Creating a funding planCreating a funding planOnce you have worked out what your costs will be it’s time to commit your plan to paper. You will fi nd individuals, companies and grant funding agen cies much more willing to give you money if you have taken the time to think things through and come up with a plan.

Include in your plan:

• Background information on the project.• Why the moorings are needed.• Why you need the type of mooring you have chosen.• Where you want to place moorings.• How you propose to place them.• When you propose to begin and when the project will be com plet ed.• Who will use them.• Cost of mooring installation (budget).

When you write out your budget be sure to include ALL of the costs then make a note of which ones are being covered by grants or donations or “in kind” contributions. That way everyone can see that your mooring in stal la tion project has support and that other people and groups have already “bought into” it.

Your mooring installation plan can provide information for any grant funding proposals you might end up writing.

Photo by Jeff Dawson

Create a plan to present to potential funders.

39

Mooring Buoys

You can keep some costs down by looking for local volunteers to help with mooring in stal la tion. Be sure that volunteers are certifi ed divers with an appropriate background and adequate diving experience. Placing moorings is hard work and can be dangerous.

You can also look for “in kind” contributions. Ask local hotels if they will sponsor the project by giving you free or at cost ac com mo da tion and means. Ask dive operators if they can “lend” you boats and staff.

Look for any commercial dive operators in your country who can supply you with drilling equipment, hardware and tackle. You will also want to decide whether to purchase or rent equipment if you have the option.

Invest in training. The more expertise in installing the moorings re mains with you on site, the better! Next time you may be able to install them with little or no outside assistance.

Keeping costs downKeeping costs downYou can keep costs down by:

• Using volunteers.

• Asking for in-kind con tri bu tions or discounts.

• Investing in training.

Purchasing equipment may save you money in the long run. Parks can even rent this equip ment out to raise funds.

40

Mooring Buoys

Funding sourcesFunding sourcesYou will need to think about whom you can approach to fund, sponsor or co-fund your mooring installation costs.

In kind donations. These are donations from people or organizations which cost them little or nothing, such as, dive operators who might be asked to lend boats and staff or hotels might be asked for free or “at cost” accommodation. If they support your mooring project you have no problem getting local in kind donations like this.

Corporate sponsorship. Make a list of the medium to large size, profi table busi ness es in your area, which rely on the en vi ron ment, or which are known to take a philanthropic interest in local affairs. Especially look for businesses with holdings in the USA or Europe where contributing towards environmen-tal projects may already be part of their corporate thinking.

If you know the manager, great! If not try to fi nd someone who can “open doors” for you and introduce you to the person in charge. Take a spare copy of your plan along and be prepared to give a short but lively presentation on your mooring project and what you want to do. The golden rule here is: "If you don’t ask, you don’t get!"

Individual donations. Try to encourage individuals, especially vis it ing div-ers, to make a donation towards your mooring project. De pend ing on your local laws, you may have to do this through a local char i ta ble or ga ni za tion, which would accept donations on your behalf, or you might have to set up your own char i ty. Make sure that it is worth your time and effort and that the cost of get ting donations is not going to be more than the money you collect. Also, make sure you have a fool proof way of taking the money. You will be held ac count able for the money and you need to make sure that there is no pos si bil i ty that it could “go missing.”

If you have wealthy local residents, consider approaching them, too. They are most likely to be sympathetic if they or their family members are divers or snorkellers.

Fundraising events. Holding a local fund raising event can be a good way of raising money. You probably already know the kind of fund raising events which work in your area. What do your schools and churches do to raise money? Think about things like sponsored dives or snorkels, spon sored car wash or holding a festival. Use your imagination! Again, what ev er the

Funding sources for mooring installations include:

• In kind donations.

• Corporate sponsorships.

• Individual donations.

• Fundraising events.

• Grant funding.

41

Mooring Buoys

Funding sources (continued)Funding sources (continued)event, you will need to be sure that it is worth your time and effort.

Grant funding. Applying to grant funding organizations, such as foun da -tions, is another possibility. This is something of a “long haul” approach: you will have to make an ap pli ca tion and there may be a delay of several months or a year before you fi nally receive the money – if the project is approved.

Generally speaking funding organizations have their own procedures for ac-cepting ap pli ca tions. You will most likely apply for “small grant funds.” Many of organizations expect you to complete an application form. Often they only make decisions about which projects to fund two to four times a year so you should also fi nd out about any submission deadlines.

Filling in a funding application can be daunting. Again, it is worth taking the time to fi nd out if they are likely to fund your mooring project before you begin fi lling in the forms. A search of their web site or a simple phone call to the person in charge of administering the funds should give you a good idea of whether or not to apply.

You should also be aware that funding organizations normally expect you to report back to them and explain how you spent their money and what you achieved. They will often want written reports and accounts with receipts. Be sure to keep all your invoices and receipts and take plenty of pho to graphs of the work in progress as well as the fi nished mooring in use.

Look at:• PADI Project AWARE.• NOAA small grant funds.• UNEP small grant funds.

When raising money, it is important to keep the process as “transparent” as possible, so com mu ni ty members & funders know exactly where the money is going.

Part III: Installing Moorings

General installation tips

Installation overviews

• Drilled moorings

• Manta Ray Anchors

• Helix Anchors

Preparing the Tackle: Downlines, surface lines and buoys

43

Mooring Buoys

Installing mooringsInstalling moorings

Once you have fi nished with your planning, you should be in good shape to begin working on the actual installation of your moorings. By now you have:

• Built the support of your community and necessary entities.• Secured the proper permits.• Researched and addressed any legal issues.• Put together a plan including mapping out where your buoys will go

and what types of buoys you will likely be using.• A plan for what the rules will be for buoy use and how you will

enforce these rules.• A plan for how to maintain the buoys.• Raised funds to cover the costs of installation.

This section will give some general ideas for planning an installation and look at the different issues involving the various anchor types. This in for ma tion does not take the place of the as sis tance of a tech ni cal advisor. Each location is different and the support of someone who has experience in stall ing mooring buoys can be critical to determining the proper buoy, and having it installed properly and safely. It is also important to remember that buoys should only be installed by experienced divers.

44

Mooring Buoys

General installation tips General installation tips Although every installation is different, here are some of the key steps to remember:

• Assess need for technical as sis tance & training. Technical ex per tise is critical in helping establish that you are in stall ing the correct an chor (if using a drilled, helix or manta ray).

• Scout & mark specifi c buoy sites using marker buoys, or GPS & ref er ence points so they can be re lo cat ed. You should also keep a record of the depths so you can pre pare the amount of rope.

• Adjust types of moorings based on research at specifi c sites (i.e. if substrate turns out to be inappropriate).

• Get materials & equipment• Develop materials and equipment

list. (You will need to decide whether to rent or purchase installation equipment).

• Find suppliers.• Customs assistance & duty waiv ers

may be available through the gov ern ment.

• Determine logistics of receiving & storing ma te ri als/equipment.

• Recruit volunteers for in stal la tion.• Divers - use experienced divers only.• Boat support - less experienced.

divers or non-divers can be support on the boat. It is also useful to have ex pe ri enced rope splicers on the surface.

• Public relations- Find pho tog ra phers for both above and below water and publicize your moor ing in stal la tion.

• Schedule the days for installation, allow suffi cient time and be prepared to be interrupted by bad weather.

• Do as much ahead of time as possible – cut and splice rope for the downlines in advance based on information from scouting. Splice pick up lines.

With everything planned, you should be ready to install your moorings. Keep in mind, you’ll want to:• Ensure safety. Assign a safety offi cer to keep track of installers dive pro fi les. Use experienced divers who understand the risk.• Keep good records of locations and depths.• Start with installation in a couple of easy spots on the fi rst day. Move to

the more diffi cult ones as quickly as possible or when the conditions will be best.

Don’t forget to celebrate when you’ve fi nished. Not only to reward yourself and your volunteers but also as an opportunity to build support for main tain ing the moor ings.

Mooring installation organized by Green Reef an NGO in Belize, with microgrant from COR AL.

45

Mooring Buoys

Installation overview: Drilled mooringsInstallation overview: Drilled mooringsThe following are brief overviews on what installation of the different anchors requires. Conditions vary from area to area, and this information is not a replacement for professional technical advice.

Drilled Moorings (also known as Halas Moor ing)Suit able for: Flat bedrock

Hold ing capacity: Unknown – varies on the substrate

Tech ni cal expertise: It’s a good idea to have some one ex pe ri enced in drilled moorings to take a look at the sub strate to see if its suitable. Pur chas ing the proper equip ment requires tools, me chan ics, and knowledge of en gi neer ing basics for work ing un der wa ter.

Installation equipment:• Hydraulic drill – a rotary pow er tool powered by hydraulic fl uid or

com pressed air. • Two high pressure hoses deep enough to reach the bottom. • Quick release fi ttings to con nect the hose & drill. • A sturdy workboat.

Materials: Cement, Eye Bolt, Pin, fi sh plate (if using more than one anchor)

Locations used include: Florida Keys National Marine Park, Saba, Cay man Is lands, Hawaii, Bonaire Marine Park

Minimum installation staff: 3 people – 2 divers and 1 boat operator but 4 or 5 is preferred.

Variations: The size of the pin and the depth of the drilled whole. Eye-bolts or U-pins. Also, several drilled moorings connected to geth er to add more strength. Different types of cement or epoxy can be used as well.

Costs: The main cost consideration for drilled moor ings is the in stal la tion equipment. Cost of materials is minimal.

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Mooring Buoys

Drilled moorings (continued) Drilled moorings (continued) Installation:Drilling and cementing the Anchor Pin:

1) One person experienced in diving and installing moorings should be re- spon si ble for su per vis ing the operation. Ideally, the work crew for drill ing and cementing the moorings in place will consist of two people each. One team takes responsibility for diving and drilling underwater while a second team remains on the work boat deck. The boat team should be re spon si ble for assisting the divers with equipment relay, operating the power unit for the drill, and mixing the cement.

2) Once the proper site is selected a hole is drilled into the solid sub strate. Drilling time depends on the working conditions, including water depth, hard-ness of the substrate, experience level of the crew, me chan i cal dif fi cul ties ex-perienced, and weather conditions. Weights added to the top of the drill help stabilize the drill and decrease operator fatigue. At times it may be necessary for the operator to remove the drill bit underwater to free excess or stuck sediment, so proper tools (pipe wrench es of medium to large size) should be on hand).

3) An 18-inch stain less steel eye pin is cemented into the hole.

4) Tackle is attached after cement dries (usually about 48 hours).

Source: Project AWARE's Mooring Buoy Planning Guide --"The Use of Mooring Buoys as a Management Tool: Types of Mooring Buoy Systems."

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Mooring Buoys

Installation Overview: Manta Ray anchorsInstallation Overview: Manta Ray anchorsManta Ray AnchorsSuitable for: Sand, rubble or mud

Holding capacity: Loose sand or clay = 8 – 14,000 lbs. ; Dense sand or compact rubble = 32-40,000 lbs.

Technical expertise: It’s a good idea to have someone ex pe ri enced in manta moor ings to take a look at the substrate to see if it is suitable. Pur chas ing the proper equip ment requires tools, me chan ics, and knowl edge of engineering basics for work ing underwater.

Installation Equipment:• Hydraulic jack and drive gad (pointed metal rod used to drive the anchor into the substrate)• Load locker (or line to work boats)• Sturdy boat

Materials: Manta Ray anchor, rod and nut, fi sh plate (if using more than one anchor)

Locations used include: Maui, Virgin Islands

Minimum installation staff: 3 people: 2 divers and 1 boat operator, but 4 or 5 is preferred.

Variations: Size of the anchor blade. Length of the rod ( 3.5 – 7ft.). Extensions can be added to lengthen the rod even further. Chain may be used in place of the rod. Multiple an chors chained together to increase holding capacity. Single con struc tion (blade and rod already at tached) or separate parts which must be welded together. Length of rod should be de ter mined by the depth of bed rock. Larger (and therefore heavier) Manta Rays are best for loose substrates.

Costs: About $110 for an average sized an chor plus costs of rental equipment.

Installation time: about 30 minutes (Var ies with conditions and substrate)

Considerations: Initial site se lec tion is critical because once installed it cannot be moved. Holding capacity varies based on substrate.

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Mooring Buoys

Manta Ray Anchors (continued)Manta Ray Anchors (continued)Installation:

1) After checking for the depth of bedrock, the anchor and rod are attached to the drive gad.

2) Using the hydraulic jack hammer, the anchor is driven into the substrate. The rod must be com plete ly submerged in the sand, or will be more likely to break. If the rod cannot be completely covered with sand, it should be removed and tried in another location. If the rod is not covered with sand, it may break or bend. Some areas have replaced the rod with chain to get around this problem. If the anchor can be driven deeper into the substrate, extensions can be added. The deeper the anchor is driven the stron ger the holding capacity will be.

3) The anchor must then be pulled upward in order to bring the blade or wing into a locked horizontal position. This can be done using a line from the boat to pull away and upwards or with a load locking device. The load locking device pulls upward on the anchor and can be used to measure holding capacity.

4) The mooring line and buoy can be attached immediately.

5) Video tapes of installation are available from Foresight Products Inc. (see Appendix)

Manta Ray installation in Florida © Wolcott Henry 2001

49

Mooring Buoys

Installation Overview: Helix Anchors

Helix – square shaftSuitable for: Sand, Rubble, bedrock

Holding capacity: 20,000 lbs + in soft clay mud. 70,000 – 100,000

Technical expertise: It is a good idea to have some one ex pe ri enced in helical moorings to take a look at the substrate to see if its suitable. Pur chas ing the proper equipment requires tools, me chan ics, and knowl edge of engineering basics for working un der wa ter.

Installation Equipment: Hydraulic torque motor, sturdy work boat

Materials: Helix anchor, possibly mooring head, or eyebolts

Locations used: Bonaire Marine Park, U.S. & British Virgin Islands, Florida Keys, Belize

Minimum installation staff: 3 people – 2 divers and 1 boat operator but 4 or 5 is preferred.

Variations: Helix anchors vary in shaft diameter, and number and size of helical plates. Extensions can be used to add length and holding capacity to the anchor. Diameters: 1 3/4" and 1 1/2"

Helixes: Single, Double or Triple with diameters of 8, 10, 12 or 14" inch es. For example an 8/10 Helix means that the plate on the end is 8 inches and the second plate is 10 inches.

Considerations:• Hard substrates typically use smaller and fewer he lix es while the softer soils

require more, and some times larger helixes.• Hard rubble coral areas typically use a lead sec tion with a 8”-10”diameter

helix and cutting teeth.• The softer sandy sections of the reef or mooring area call for a lead section

with 8, 10 or 12 in. di am e ter or larger helixes. • Helical anchors can be removed and reinstalled by re vers ing the installation

process.

Costs: Lead sections range from ($330 - $615) Extensions from $80 –200. A total cost of $700 - $1,000)

Installation time: 15-20 minutes to install, but approximately 2 hours to set up equipment.

50

Mooring Buoys

Helix Anchors (continued)

1. With a lift bag to control the heavy weight, a Marine Park Ranger lowers the mechanism that turns the Helix mooring into the bottom. A sil hou ette of the boat is visible in the back ground.

2. A marine park ranger positions the com bi na tion bit and moor ing in a sand patch. In the background are stag horn and small head corals.

3. A park ranger and vol un teer attach the bit-and-mooring com bi na tion to the mech a nism, which will twist it into the substrate. Another diver hovers above, and there is some staghorn coral in the background.

4. To prevent the drilling mech a nism from twist ing while the bit stays still, a long bar is at tached to the drill by a marine park ranger while another ranger holds the bit/mooring in po si tion. The bar will be tied to an anchor (hand set in sand, of course) and supervised by a diver; the anchor rope and diver are partially visible at the right of the photo.

5. Two rangers hold the drilling mechanism and the combination bit and moor ing, and direct the future mooring into the substrate. Some stability is pro vid ed by the lift bag, which is being monitored by a volunteer.

6. The helix mooring has been twisted almost completely into Bonaire’s sand and rubble sub strate, leaving just the tip and the eye through which a volunteer has just fi nished attaching the rope and fl oat for the completed buoy mooring system.

Helix Anchor installation in Bonaire Marine Park. Photos and text courtesy of Dee Scarr.

51

Mooring Buoys

Preparing the Tackle: Downlines, surface lines and buoysDownlines, surface lines and buoysSurface lines (and downlines if the depths are known) can be pre pared in advance.

The tackle can be prepared in either two or three looped sections which interlock to make it easy to install the buoy as well as take it apart for main te nance. This way one end of the rope can be thread ed through the eyebolt of the mooring anchor and then the other end is threaded through the loop and run up to the surface.

At the surface, a throughline is attached the same way on one end and then threaded through the buoy on the other. The surface line is at tached to the free end of the throughline. Or the throughline and pickup line can be com bined. In this case the loop that at tach es to the downline slips through the downline and over the entire buoy, so the loop has to big enough to ac com mo date the buoy.

The length of the downline is a matter of preference. But, remember to include tide variations in your calculations.

Part IV: Maintenance

Creating a maintenance program Mooring Buoy Disappearance and Theft:

Special strategies

Finding funding for maintenance

• Funding sources for maintenance

53

Mooring Buoys

Maintenance

Keeping your moorings safe and ready to be used, means planning to maintain them. The most important components to a maintenance program are:

• Regular maintenance of mooring tackle (ropes and buoys).• Periodic inspection of mooring hardware (weighted or drilled).• Reporting system so that users can tell you about mooring wear and tear.• Recordkeeping system to help with planning future maintenance and

limit your liability.

You will need to think about:

• Who does what? It is very important to establish some ground rules about who does moor ing maintenance and how quickly. Whoever does the main te nance will need:

• to have access to the necessary materials (lines, spare buoys, shack les and gear for clean ing).

• to be able to get out to the mooring site to do the work.• necessary skills (i.e. they will have to be able to splice lines).

• How long it will take? Consider how long you need to repair mooring lines and buoys and guar an tee ing to have essential maintenance work com plet ed within that time—2 to 3 days would be a good turn around time.

• How to keep records? It is a good idea to make sure you keep de tailed records about your moor ings. This will help you be able to ensure that moorings are maintained on time and see if certain moor ings are “problematic.” You will also be able to cal cu late how much main te nance is costing you per mooring (in time and material). Also, keeping good records when in stall ing moorings, (particularly noting the lo ca tion and depth for each moor ing) will help you easily re place parts.

• How to design your buoys to minimize maintenance? Reduce main te nance needs when in stall ing your buoys by:

• Determining whether moorings need to be visible at night.• Identifying moorings—by name if possible– on site.• Identifying “high risk” sites that may need double lines, or more vigilant

main te nance.

The basic com po nents of a mooring maintenance pro gram include:

• Regular main te nance.

• Periodic in spec tions.

• User reporting system.

• Record keeping.

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Mooring Buoys

Creating a maintenance programCreating a maintenance programYou can expect to have to perform a lot of maintenance on your moor ing system when it is fi rst established. It may take users a while to realize where the moorings are located, so you can expect to have damage to surface buoys and lines. You may also fi nd that users ini tial ly take lines and buoys. Much of this will pass once the moorings become established in peo ple’s minds and they see the ad van tag es of using them.

You will need to put to geth er a maintenance program that works for your situation. The following is offered for guid ance only:

Every month• Inspect buoys for wear

and tear or damage.• Inspect lines for wear

and tear. • Clean lines and buoys as

nec es sary.

As a rule of thumb you will want to replace lines as soon as one strand is frayed or chafed through.

Every three months• Inspect down line (to mooring) and shack les.• Inspect surface lines and buoys.

Every six months• Remove and clean buoys to prevent fouling.• Replace shackle pins on mooring.• Inspect mooring hardware (barrel, block or pin).

Cut costs by re cy cling moor ing lines. Long er downlines from the moor ing to the sur face can be re used for short er sur face pickup lines.

Maintenance pro grams need to be developed for your sit u a tion. You will want to think about scheduling:

• Inspection for wear and tear.

• Cleaning.

• Regular re place ment of parts that wear out quickly.

Soufriere Marine Management Area, St. Lucia Mooring Maintenance Program“Making sure that the moor ings are ab-solutely safe is one of the most im por tant tasks of the marine rang ers. The SMMA adheres to very strict, in ter na tion al ly ac cept ed main te nance sched ule, speci-fying exactly when certain parts of the mooring system have to be in spect ed and changed. Every main te nance has to be re cord ed in a special log and all buoys must be equipped with a special tag in di -cat ing the last date of service.”Source: SMMA Website http://www.smma.org.lc

55

Mooring Buoys

Mooring Buoy Disappearance and Theft:Special strategiesSpecial strategiesOne challenge of maintenance is dealing with moorings that "disappear" or are cut. Its sometimes diffi cult to determine the reason why this may be happening. Perhaps the moor ing was cut in order to free a boat or fi shing equip ment or the moor ing was simply stolen. Some times the entire tackle, downline, buoy and pickup line, are taken. In areas where reef users are un fa mil iar with moor ings, they may cut the mooring free because they feel that it doesn’t "belong" there.

Involving all the stakeholders early on in the process can help prevent these problems but may not eliminate them. If your moorings are frequently being cut:• Switch to inexpensive and less desirable materials, such as plastic con-

tain ers.• Plan to replace them quickly. (This will help establish moorings as “nor mal”

for the area).• Use two interlocking sections of rope for the downline, if the rope is being

cut near the surface. You will only have to replace the section of rope clos-est to the surface. Or consider chain at the very top of the moor ing.

• Look for underlying problems: • Is there too much rope fl oating at the surface? • Are the buoys visible at night? • Are there users who could benefi t from outreach?

• Are there hidden user confl icts? For example: Are divers cutting open fi sh traps, which might provoke fi shermen to cut what they perceive to be the divers’ buoys?

• Switch to Hawser wire for the downline.In some areas it may take time and a few replacements before moorings are ac cept ed.

If moorings are stolen:

• Switch to in ex pen sive materials.

• Replace them quickly.

• Use two-section downlines to cut down on re place ment costs and time.

• Look for un der ly ing problems.

These moorings in Vietnam use Hawser wire to prevent cutting.

Photo by: Jamie Oliver

56

Mooring Buoys

Finding funding for maintenanceFinding funding for maintenanceAs well as fi nding funding to install the moorings you will need to have a plan for how you will fund maintenance.

How much will it cost?In the beginning you will have to guess how much maintaining your moor- ings is going to cost. After the fi rst year, of course, you will have a much better idea.

To begin with list all the ma te ri als which are likely to wear or need to be re placed out such as:

• Rope.• Buoys.• Chafi ng hose.• Shackles.• Moorings.

Then start to make some guesses about how much that will cost you per month, based on how often items need to be replaced:

• Pickup lines (surface): should be replace about every three months. Calculate: [# moorings x length of pick up line x cost of line divided by 3 months + boat time].

• Downlines (buoy to mooring): should be replaced every six months to a year. Use an average fi gure for the length of line per moor ing. If your moorings are in shallow water, for example 45’ – 50’ might be a good average.

Calculate: [# moorings x average length of down line x landed cost of line / 9 months + boat time].

• Chafi ng hose: should be replaced every six months to a year, so an average of 9 months.

Calculate: [# moorings x length of hose per mooring x cost of hose / 9 months].

• Buoys: not too often unless you lose them but you will still need to schedule boat time to scrape and clean them

Calculate: Take an educated guess based on how many buoys you think you might lose in a year.

First step to funding mooring maintenance is to calculate your costs.

• Estimate monthly costs based on re place ment of parts

• Include boat rental and staff time.

• Good records will help you better es ti mate costs for the future.

Moorings in areas where the sea is rough will need to be replaced more often.

57

Mooring Buoys

Finding funding for maintenance (continued)Finding funding for maintenance (continued)

• Shackles and moorings: Shackle pins will need to be re placed at least every six months. Shackles and moorings only need to be replaced occasionally, but they will need to be inspected and you will need to factor in boat time for that.

Calculate: While you won’t want to calculate this in the be- gin ning when your moorings are new, thinking about putting some money aside for when the moorings even tu al ly need to be replaced is a really good idea.

Don’t forget to factor in whatever boat time costs you in terms of boat hire, staffi ng, fuel and running costs. Moorings located in areas where the sea is rough and moorings that receive a lot of use will cost more to maintain.

If you keep a good record of your mooring maintenance, after year one you will know how much your moorings cost to maintain.

Educating users about the rules and how to properly use the moor ings will cut down on the need to replace them!

Part # of Moorings

Average Length

Cost of material

Cost of Boat time

Average # of replace-ments per year per buoy

Total cost per year

Pick up lines

30 6m 1.00 $50 4 $920

Down-lines

30 20m 1.00 $50 1.5 $975

Chafi ng Hose

30 3m .50 (Al-ready in-cluded with other parts)

1.5 $67.50

Buoys 30 N/A 75.00 1 $2250

Shackles 30 N/A 15.00 1 $450

Sample Calculations for Annual Mooring Maintenance:

58

Mooring Buoys

Funding sources for maintenanceFunding sources for maintenanceFinding funding for on going maintenance costs can be tricky. You are un- like ly to fi nd a grant funding organization willing to pay for this and most likely you will be forced to fi nd a local solution.

Think about:

• Charging a per use fee to anyone using the moorings. While this is common for moorings used by visiting yachts to overnight on, it may be tricky to collect fees like this for day use.

• Charging a lump sum per year to all the companies which will profi t from using the moorings such as dive operators, boat charters etc. Consider splitting the mooring maintenance costs pro por tion al ly be-tween all the mooring users so that small dive op er a tions pay less than larger ones.

• Charging diver admission fees to all visiting divers. Many coral parks already do this and part of the money is used to pay for mooring maintenance.

• Creating a mooring sponsorship program whereby individuals and organizations are encouraged to donate a fi xed amount of money per year towards the maintenance of “their” mooring. This can then be acknowledged either on the mooring or shore side at an ap pro pri ate place.

Again, use your imagination and look at the solutions other local or ga ni z-a tions such as schools and churches have found to maintain prop er ty such as playgrounds which are used “for the common good.”

Funding sources for maintenance costs will most likely be local.

Options include:

• Per use mooring fee.

• Per year fee from companies that use moorings regularly.

• Diver admission fee to all divers.

• Mooring spon sor ship program.

Press attention from scientifi c studies, or community ac tiv i ties such as photography contests can remind com mu ni ty donors of the need for ongoing support.

Part V: Appendix

Resources

Glossary

60

Mooring Buoys

Mooring resourcesMooring resources

U.S.

Boat Moorings.Com P. O. Box 119 Milford, NH 03055USAPhone: 603.672.4619Fax: 603.672.1751e-mail dmerrill@boatmoorings.comWeb: www.boatmoorings.com* Helix moorings

Environmental Moorings In ter -na tion al172 Lorelane Pl.Key Largo, FL 33037-4235USAPhone and Fax (305) 451-E-mail: Emilhalas@aol.comwww.reefmoorings.com*Components for Halas System

Foresight Products, LLC6430 East 49th DriveCommerce City, COUSAContact: International Sales De part -mentTel: 303 286-8955Fax: 303 287-3866E-mail: international@earthanchor.comhttp://www.earthanchor.com/Manta Ray

Florida Keys Marine SanctuaryP.O. Box 1083Key Largo, FL 33037(305) 852-7717http://www.fknms.nos.noaa.gov*Information on Halas eyebolt system*Mooring maintenance information available at:http://www.terranova.net/%7ealtmeier/noaamb/indexmb.html

Hazelett Corp.217 Lakeshore Dr.P.O. Box 600 Colchester, VT 05446(802) 863-6376*Elastic rodes

Project AWARE Foundation30151 Tomas Street Suite 200Rancho Santa MargaritaCA, 92688-2125 USAphone: 800 729 7234 Ext.2659 (US and Canada)phone: +1 949 858 7234 Ext.2659e-mail: information@projectaware.orghttp://www.projectaware.org • Small grants & mooring infor-mation• Download the "Mooring Buoy Planning Guide" from the Project AWARE website.

61

Mooring Buoys

AUSTRALIA

Offshore Moorings 4 Stanhope St., Cottesloe WA 6011, phone +61-(0)8-9385 1296, fax +61-(0)8-9384 0437

Environmental MooringsPO Box 2063Palmyra Wa 6157Ph 9330 5091Mob 0411 480 480Fax 9330 9969

Aqualib MooringsPO Box 495Mandurah Wa 6210Ph 9535 6553Mob 0417 055 553Fax 9535 8386

Australian Mooring Services15 Motril AveCockburn Waters Wa 6166Ph 9434 9684Mob 0417 944 884Fax 9418 5748

Mooring resources (continued)Mooring resources (continued)

62

Mooring Buoys

chafi ng hose: Flexible plastic hose used to protect rope from chaffi ng. Used on the loops in downlines and on pickup lines.

chokers: A mooring which uses a rope wrapped around a natural object such as a rock or a coral head. These can do more harm than good.

concrete moorings: Mooring buoy that use a heavy concrete block to secure the mooring. If not suffi ciently heavy can these blocks can be dragged from their original location and damage reefs or seagrass beds. Because concrete contains a lot of air, it can lose half its “weight” when underwater.

conventional moorings: Concrete moorings or other mooring that uses a the weight of a heavy object to secure the mooring

downline: The line that connects the mooring to the surface buoy. drilled moorings: Moorings that are secured by a pin set in concrete in a

hole drilled into the substrate. These moorings depend on the strength of the substrate and are best in fl at hard bedrock.

embedment anchors: Anchors that are set deep into the substrate such as manta rays and helix anchors. They are used in soft substrates.

extension rods: Rods attached to helix anchors to allow them to be driven deeper into the substrate for more holding capacity.

grouted screw anchor: An anchor similar to the helix anchorgrowth form: The shape of a coral such as platelike, staghorn, massive,

encrusting. The same species of coral may take different forms depending on the environmental conditions. Some growth forms, such as staghorn coral, are more easily damaged by anchors.

Halas system: Mooring suitable for reef environments developed by John Halas of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to protect. The mooring consists of either a drilled or embedment base, three sections of interlocking rope with loops on both ends and a buoy.

hawser wire: Rope made of metal.Hazlett rode: An elastic downline that helps lessen the pull on a mooring

anchor.helix anchors: An embedment anchor consisting of a steel rod with one,

two or three round plates. Similar to a sand screw. This anchor can be installed in soft or semihard substrate.

GlossaryGlossary

63

Mooring Buoys

Glossary (continued)Glossary (continued)holding capacity: The amount of pull a mooring can withstand before

breaking. painter line: Also known as a pick-up line or surface linepick-up line: Also known as a surface line, or painter line. The line that

runs from the buoy with one free end for boaters to “pick-up” and tie on to the mooring buoy.

rode: See downline.scope line: Line added from the boat to the mooring line to improve the

holding capacity of the mooring.sedimentation: The adding or stirring up of particles such as sand and

silt into the water column. Sedimentation affects corals by blocking out sunlight and smothering them. Sedimentation is made worse by anchor damage.

splicing: An extremely strong type of knot where the strands of a rope are woven back into another part of the rope. Splicing is used to create loops on the ends of the pick up lines and the interlocking section of the tackle

surface line: Also known as a pick-up, that runs from the buoy with one free end to allow the boater to tie on to the mooring buoy.

tackle: the parts of a buoy that attach the anchor: the downline, throughline, buoy and surface line.

throughline: Section of rope that runs through the buoy con nect ing to the downline and surface line.traditional mooring: See concrete and conventional mooring.triad: three mooring anchors, such as drilled or helix, that are used together

to increase the holding capacity of a mooring and to create a back-up system in case one mooring anchor breaks.

U/V treated rope: Rope that is treated to be protected from damaging sun rays. Especially useful for surface lines.

u-pin: A u-shaped pin used in drilled moorings.wave energy: Force and movement generated by waves.weighted anchors: See conventional mooring.

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Mooring Buoys

The goal of the Coral Reef Alliance’s (CORAL) Parks Program is to help coral park managers leverage sustainable tourism to build local investment in the conservation of coral reef parks.We achieve this goal by providing training, tools and resources to partners in local reef communities, including dive op-erators, conservation groups, and community leaders, and through our global partnership with the International Coral Reef Action Network (ICRAN). Our current geographic focus is on the Western Pacifi c, the Caribbean and the MesoAmerican Barrier Reef.

Training and yechnical assistance for coral parks: CORAL provides technical assistance and on-site training to the communities and businesses that depend on coral reefs, helping to ensure the success of local coral parks. Topics include, sustainable fi nancing, limiting anchor damage, sustainable marine tourism, and coral reef ecology. CORAL works with marine recreation providers, bulk purchasers (such as cruise lines and tour operators), park managers, and other community members involved in the coral reef tour-ism industry. Through the development of partnerships between tourism and coral parks, CORAL builds cooperation that enhances both environmental and economic sustainability.

Financial support of park conservation programs: CORAL’s microgrant program has provided much needed fi nancial support to local conservation programs. Since1995, CORAL has provided over $350,000 in microgrants to support on the ground conservation. Currently, CORAL provides seed money to local partners participating in CORAL’s training program. Through micro-grants we help coral parks pay for mooring buoys to stop anchor damage, purchase functioning boats to patrol and enforce fi shing rules, and publish brochures to educate visitors of park rules. Read more about past microgrant recipients.

Information and Resources: The Parks program provides tools to help park managers and communities to more effectively protect their coral reefs. Vist our website at www.coral.org for:

* Coral Friendly Tourism Guidelines* Coral Reef Issue Briefs for policy makers* Fact Sheets for the general public* International Directory of Coral Reef Organizations* Online Coral Reef Education Materials Library

What is a coral park? A coral park is a protected area that includes a coral reef in its boundaries and allows visitors. The coral parks pro-gram helps tourism and conservation to work in partnership for the benefi t of coral reefs and the tourism industry.Learn more about where we work

About the Coral Parks ProgramAbout the Coral Parks Program

For more information contact:The Coral Reef Alliance417 Montgomery St. Ste 205San Francisco, CA 94104Tel: 415-834-0900Fax: 415-834-0999Email: info@coral.orgWeb: www.coral.org